Whether you’re writing a term paper, college admissions essay or a blog post 🙂 spelling and grammar are super important. Misspelled words can distract readers, take points off your grade or even cost you entry into your dream school.

If you’re anything like me then you can EASILY miss even simple spelling and grammar mistakes. Being the spell check generation, some of us never really had to learn how to spell because those red squiggly lines were always there to save the day!

Here are a few tips/tools you can use to become a better writer.

Grammarly – This is a great app that seamlessly integrates into your chrome browser. It’s like having spell check for the whole internet! Not only does it correct your spelling mistakes it tells you when to place commas, when to capitalize letters and even helps when you use the incorrect word. Plus the best part is that IT’S FREE. Yes! A free spell checker for the whole internet. No more bad grammar in emails, Facebook posts or comments! (because how awkward is it when you misspell a word in the middle of comment and now the whole message is wrong?!) Just install the app and never deal with awkward spelling mistakes again.

Editorr– This site is perfect for when you have a term paper or essay due that you where you just can’t afford to have grammar and spelling errors. For as little as $5 you can get your entire essay proofread by professional editors waiting to make your writing sound good. You can even try it out for free! Here’s to error-free essays, articles and proposals.

Text to Speech – Sometimes there are just those grammar errors that don’t get caught while proofreading. A great way to do a quick check of your work is to use the text to speech function in Microsoft Word. A lot of times just hearing your words out loud can make it much easier to point out the misuse of words and sentences that don’t flow well.

Writing is an art and you have to take your time with it. These tools can be a huge help if you don’t exactly have a way with words. I have STRUGGLED with spelling and grammar all my life and these resources have helped me tremendously! I still make mistakes from time to time but it doesn’t compare to how bad it could be if I didn’t have these resources!

*This post contains affiliate links

Are you good with writing? How do you edit your words? Leave a comment below!

Insurance has to be one of THE most cryptic parts of adulting. According to the official adult handbook, you’re supposed to insure everything from your pet to your own life.

Celebrities even insure their body parts. Mariah Carey’s legs are insured for about 1 Billion dollars and JLo’s butt is insured for $27 million dollars!!

But what is the big deal about insurance?

Why do we need it and why does it cost so much?!

Well most of us don’t need or have the money to insure our butt or our legs but a lot of us do drive cars!

Car insurance might be one of the most important insurances (next to health insurance) to have given the rate of car accidents in the US. Buying car insurance can be really tricky though.

There are so many terms, companies, and so much fine print that it can be really confusing and frustrating trying to figure of the best coverage for you and how to get the best rate possible.

If this is your first time buying insurance then you might have a few questions about how the whole process works.

That’s why I have taken the liberty to create a simple guide to car insurance any aspiring adult could navigate!

How exactly does car insurance work?

Insurance companies collect monthly payments called premiums from all of their customers. Imagine all of this money goes into a large pool. Some people will need the money when they get into an accident and other’s will not. The company uses the money from the pool to pay a customer every time they file a claim. There are also limits to the amount of money an insurance company will pay out based on your policy to prevent the pool of money from running dry. Of course the insurance company keeps a percentage of the money as a profit and operating costs as well.

What does car insurance cover?

Car insurance can cover you, your car, property, the other person in the accident’s car, their bodily damages, passengers etc. It is designed to protect you from incurring the costs of getting in an accident.

Why is car insurance required? What’s the point?

So many things could happen to you while driving no matter how good of a driver you are. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you’re thinking car insurance is too expensive then try getting into a wreck and having to cover the cost of your car, medical bills, and the expenses of the other person involved or being sued for causing an accident.

Why does it matter whose fault it is in an accident?

A lot of types of insurance coverage is determine by whose fault it is in the accident. This is why there can be a lot of car insurance fraud and court cases because nobody wants their insurance to go up or be penalized for an accident they didn’t cause. Some general rules of thumb are if you hit someone in the back it’s typically your fault and if you are intoxicated, or not following any road signs, speeding etc. it’s your fault. Keep that in mind when selecting insurance and while you’re driving.

How much does insurance cost?

Insurance costs vary by each person. There are many factors that go into the how much you pay for insurance including your age, driving history, location, how many miles you drive in your, your credit score etc. Each company has a different formula for determining their price so it’s best to shop around.

Selecting insurance can be really difficult so here’s a guide to make sure that you select the best coverage and policy to fit your needs.

Different types of car insurance

Liability – covers accidental bodily injury and property damage to others. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering etc. This type of insurance is often required by the state. Your coverage amount (how much money your insurance needs to pay out in the event of an accident) is usually determined by the state as well.

Liability insurance is typically one of the most expensive insurances. It is also usually expressed by three numbers like this 30/60/25. The first number represents the amount of coverage for bodily injury per person in the accident. The second number represents the bodily injury coverage per accident and the third number represents the property damage covered per accident.

Comprehensive– This covers the loss or damage to your car that doesn’t happen in an accident. For example, in the case of a fire, flood, wind or vandalism your car would be protected with this type of coverage.

Collision – This covers damage to your vehicle caused by an accident with a vehicle or object. This means that your insurance company will cover you up to $X amount in the case that you get an accident with another person or if you hit something like a sign or a median.

Medical coverage-This covers you and any passengers in your vehicle regardless whose fault it is. It also covers you and family members while riding in other people’s cars

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – This covers medical expenses for the insured driver regardless of whose fault it is due to an accident.

Uninsured motorist – This covers you when you get in an accident that is caused by a driver without insurance. This can also cover you in the case of a hit and run driver where the other person involved in the accident flees the scene.

Underinsured motorist – This pays your car’s damages when an accident is caused by a driver who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover your expenses.

Loan/lease coverage – This (sometimes referred to as gap coverage) covers you if you get into an accident and your vehicle is considered to be totaled or is stolen. The insurance company will pay the rest of the loan or lease payment off.

Some of these types of insurance can vary from company to company. Always ask what exactly each policy covers when selecting insurance and don’t assume anything. Make notes when speaking to a rep if need be so you can fully understand what you are signing up for.

Other types of car insurance/coverage

Roadside assistance – This is the service you use when your car breakdown while driving or gets flat tire. You can sometimes even use this service if you lock yourself out of your car.

Warranty – If your buy your car new or within a few years of it being manufactured then it probably came with some sort of warranty. A warranty covers various repairs that your car might need during normal use of your car.

Rental reimbursement –This covers the cost of getting a rental car if your car is damaged and needs to be repaired. This type of coverage can also come with certain types of roadside assistance and car warranties.

Coverage requirements vary from state to state so although it is required to have insurance in most states they all have different specific requirements so double check before signing up for every type of insurance because you might not need them all.

There are also some ways that you can get a nice discount on your insurance policy so always ask to see if you qualify. Some typical discounts include:

Discounts

Good student– If you are in school sometimes insurance companies will give you a break on your bill if you have good grades.

Good driver– Having a good driver history is always a plus when shopping for car insurance. Some companies even have safe driving discounts and bonuses to decrease your rate.

Multi-car – If you have more than one car insured on the same policy you might qualify for a discount

Multi-policy– If you have multiple policies with the same company you might qualify for a discount as well. For example, if you have homeowner’s insurance and car insurance with the same company you might want to ask about a possible discount.

Customer loyalty – If you have been with a company for a while it never hurts to ask for a discount this goes for car insurance but also for most services as well. You never know until you ask.

Insurance Terms

Policy – The contract agreed upon between you and the insurance company

Claim – This is the formal request to the insurance company to pay for expenses incurred during an accident or medical claim etc.

Deductible – This is the amount of money you pay when you file an insurance claim before the insurance will kick in. Typically the higher this amount is the less you will pay for your policy.

Premium – The amount of money you pay to your insurance company each month for your insurance policy. Many companies set this rate based on a 6-month term that renews twice a year.

Coverage – The amount of money the insurance company has to pay if you get in an accident and have qualifying insurance. Typically the higher the coverage amount is the higher the plan can be.

Being an informed buyer in any situation gives you a lot of power as a consumer. Knowing exactly how your car insurance works, what it covers and what you need will help you so much when determining what policy is the best for you.

How did you select your car insurance? Are there any parts of the insurance process that still confuse you?

It was a pretty intense situation actually. I was literally in the middle of nowhere, no phone service, no water, in extreme heat walking around trying to find my way back to the base site.

Although everything didn’t go exactly accordingly to plan I still had an amazing time in the desert!

Not only did I get lost, it rained (yes in the desert), and I was sick too. However, none of these things outweighed the beauty of camel trekking through the Sahara to our remote campsite.

(me being awkward af on a camel. just look at my socks! a mess lol)

You have never truly seen the stars if you haven’t had a chance to venture off into the deep remote areas of the world. I could literally see the Milky Way out there. It was breath-taking.

In life, you usually have to give up something to get what you want. Whether it be time, money, or your comfort, getting what you truly want will cost you.

I traded being in control of my surroundings for a vulnerable situation in order to have this once in a lifetime experience. I was in a foreign country, didn’t know the language or where exactly in the world I was but during that time I had never felt more alive.

Once I became comfortable with being present in the moment and embracing my journey nothing that came my way was able to take my joy.

My trip to Morocco in general has been one of the most eventful trips I’ve taken to date. From getting food poisoning, dancing in the moonlight, to losing my debit card all while traveling alone it was one for the books for sure.

One of the reasons that I love traveling is that you get to learn so many things about yourself and how to navigate life. Travel has taught me that I am more than capable and exemplifies how the universe has already written your story.

Traveling in a foreign environment mimics life.

In many ways I feel like becoming an adult is like getting thrown in the middle of the desert. After we graduate there are no more maps and GPS signals to tell us where to go. We’re just supposed to figure it out as we go

I remember in the not so distant past when politics were the least of my worries, but as an “adult” the issues seem to hit home a bit more.

I pay taxes, I pay for my healthcare, and I am very aware of my rights I have by living in the US.

Things just seem a bit more real when the impact of the law hits home for you.

I’m sure you’ve heard many people telling you to go out and vote, but it’s equally important to be an informed voter.

We all know the candidates for the next president, but your local candidates can be even more important.

Adults make informed voting decisions.

With things like the internet. Casting an informed ballot is as easy as visiting a website. You look at Yelp reviews before you decide which restaurant to eat lunch, so the least you could do is make sure the candidates you are voting for align to you beliefs and values.

You can take this quiz to see which candidate aligns the best with you.

You can also log into Facebook to see your local ballot. It will display your local candidates based on your location and all the issues you would be voting for on the ballot.

Pay attention to your local news. You can actually use your time on the internet and social media to be an informed member of society and form your own opinion

I know many people feel overwhelmed and drained by the election but it’s our right and responsibility to go out and vote.

There are so many people who don’t have this opportunity and have fought for us to have this right. So even if you don’t do it for yourself, do it for those who couldn’t.

Have you been following your local elections too? What is your main source of finding out information about the issues in your area?

I wanted to share with you all some lifehacks that are making my move much easier. If you’re moving to start a new job, going away to college or just for a change of scenery these tips will help you make the most of your move.

Find Free Boxes!

Take advantage of free boxes by visiting your local grocery stores, Walmart, Target etc. Even liquor stores are known for having a lot of extra boxes they don’t need. You can make it a two for one stop. Booze and boxes for the win. Also, those huge plastic tubs that we all seem to have for one reason or another are really helpful for moving and storage.

Pack Light.

This is for my fellow hoarders who love to keep everyyyyythingg for those “just in case” “what if I need it” moments.

In the words of mama badu “pack light” literally.

Get rid of all those bottles of half used hair products, old t-shirts you never use and that pile of shoes that you’re keeping in the back of your closet. As a rule of thumb, if you haven’t used it in the past year…. you probably don’t need it.

You can do one of three things with your stuff. Toss it. Donate it or Sell it.

Some stuff you just need to throw away. If that’s the case try to recycle where possible and toss your stuff in the closest dumpster.

You can give your stuff to your favorite charity or family members. I just gave my cousins who are going to school a ton of school supplies and clothes. I personally don’t like donating to goodwill because I like to support local organizations. I plan on taking a trunk load of clothes to my local charity this week to make an impact on the community where I live.

My personal favorite is to sell it! I made a couple hundred buck$ selling old junk around my house when I was moving. It not only gave me a few extra bucks to help with moving costs (moving is expensive), but it gave me extra space. The less stuff you have to move the less stuff you have to pack and can even save you on hiring movers or getting a truck. My favorite places to sell stuff are OfferUp, Poshmark, Ebay and craigslist. Offerup and Craigslist are great because they allow you to sell stuff without any commission or shipping fees. Poshmark and Ebay take a small commission depending on what you’re selling but you can often sell your item for a higher price and you don’t have to worry about meeting up with strangers. Just try to find what method works for you and makes the most money.

Consider storage and transportation

Moving vans can be expensive. This is why you should try and get rid of as much crap as possible before the big day. Shop around for moving trucks and don’t forget to factor in things like the mileage. A lot of local moving trucks charge for the truck and a small amount per mile. These costs can add up once you factor in the gas, insurance, taxes and extras. Make sure you know how far you’ll be driving and how many trips etc. to get a good idea of how much the real costs of the truck would be. For longer moves, there tend to be no mileage charges but gas expenses can get really high and don’t forget the fact that you actually would have to drive the truck, which can be tough if you’re moving 7+ hours away.
Another option for moving is hiring movers to move your things. If you have a lot of furniture and heavy items this might be a good option for you. While it costs you more money, you can save a lot of time.
PODS or other portable storage units might be best for you if you are moving longer distances or need shipping and storage in the process of moving. They usually have some type of monthly charge so consider this when selecting this option but it does eliminate the need to travel long distances with all your stuff.

Get creative: Temporary living

Depending on why you’re moving you might have some lag time. Maybe you’re starting a new job in August but your lease doesn’t start until Aug 15 or maybe you having found a place to stay yet but you need to be in the area ASAP. So many things can be uncertain when moving so staying flexible and creative help a lot. You can ask to stay with friends/family while you scope the place out or temporarily rent out an Air B&B or sublet.

********Bonus: write it off on your taxes!********

That’s right. An added benefit of moving is that you might be able to write off some of the expenses on your taxes. If you’re moving for a new job or transfer there are a few cases when you can write off your moving expenses including the truck, mileage, and even storage depending on the situation. Be sure to consult your accountant or tax preparer to see if your move qualifies. It doesn’t hurt to ask!